The Cambridge History of English and American Literature in 18 Volumes (190721).Volume X. The Age of Johnson.

II. Fielding and Smollett.

§ 3. His first and subsequent Plays.

The next news of him is the production of his first play at Drury lane, in February, 1728. A month later, his name appears as Litt. Stud. in the books of the university of Leyden. He was still at Leyden in February, 1729; but within a year his name disappeared from the roll. In January, 1730, his second play was produced at Goodmans fields theatre. His schooling being over, and the paternal remittances few or none, he had now come to London to make a living. A big, strong young man, well-educated and well-connected, with a great appetite for life, and small experience of it, he began his activity as author and dramatist.